Here Are Some Healthy Fall Foods…And Recipes!

Now that fall is officially here, you're likely seeing some changes in your grocery store's produce section.

As the weather begins to cool, different vegetables and fruits come into season, giving us an opportunity to try new things and mix it up in the kitchen.

Here are some in-season fruits and vegetables that can boost your health this fall:

• Pumpkins: You can tell it's fall without even checking the calendar by the sudden appearance of pumpkin (and pumpkin-flavored treats) virtually everywhere. But did you know pumpkin is good for you? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that this type of squash is packed with fiber and beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your body, helping your eyes and skin.
• Apples: The old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" does in fact hold merit. This late-summer to late-fall fruit is rich in vitamins, fiber and, perhaps most importantly, antioxidants. The National Library of Medicine says antioxidants can prevent cell damage and related diseases like cancer.
• Sweet Potatoes: Another popular vegetable that screams fall, sweet potatoes are great to introduce a little warmth and richness to your dish. They also bring a ton of nutrition with them, including fiber, potassium and even vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and boosts your immune system.
• Pears: Although you can likely find pears year-round, they are actually at their peak (and often at their most delicious) in the fall. Similar to apples, pears can be used in a variety of ways and are filled with nutritious fiber and pack a fair amount of potassium and vitamin C.
• Parsnips: These fall veggies look like pale carrots and can be eaten cooked or raw. One serving of parsnips contains more than 10% of your daily value of potassium and plenty of dietary fiber. Mashed parsnips are great as a substitute for mashed potatoes and they can even be roasted or pureed.
• Cranberries: You'll likely be enjoying these tart fruits in a sauce or pie come the holidays, but cranberries are a fall-time gem. According to the American Heart Association, cranberries are high in fiber, contain various minerals and vitamins that are good for your heart and contain antioxidants that may prevent certain cancers.

Healthy Recipes for Your Fall Ingredients

• Baked Apples Stuffed with Cranberries and Almonds: This recipe not only uses nutritious apples and cranberries but it also incorporates another nutritious food: almonds!
• Simple Pumpkin Soup: This easy soup requires only a handful of ingredients and can be enhanced with other healthy items like mushrooms or apples.
• Chai Tea Poached Pears: Cozy up with this warm and healthy recipe that combines two quintessential fall ingredients while packing serious flavor by adding cinnamon and vanilla.
• Twice Baked Lentil Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Steal the show this fall with this creative and filling dish that takes not one but two health-boosting foods and makes them the star.